While the
third prototype of the
Tu-2 slowly proceed through trials with its defective engines, first series
(so designation 103VS) were already built and designated Tu-2 (since March
1942).
A.N.Tupolev
was awarded The Stalin Price and was no more 'German Spy' and 'Enemy of The people'.

All those aircraft had two ShKAS machineguns
replaced by far more powerful
UBT machinegun. First Tu-2 bomber unit (polk) was included into 3rd
VA (under command of
M.M.Gromov), operating at Kalinin Front. There they were
used with great success. Losses were below any optimistic expectation, thanks to high speed, powerful defence, strong
construction and reliable powerplant.

Once air superiority was overtaken, three aircraft factories were switched to Tu-2 manufacturing (end of
1943).